Senior Propulsion Engineer, Combustion Devices

Ursa Major’s teams moves fast and do a lot with little. We are looking for a skilled, fast-learning individual who will serve as a central member of the team and take immediate ownership of rocket engine design efforts as a responsible engineer.  This role will be part of the technical organization, responsible for clean sheet system design, development, and validation of a variety of propulsion hardware, as well as technical guidance and mentoring of a team responsible for engine hardware. Candidates will be expected to have ownership from the initial concept phase to a production-ready design.

Responsibilities:

• Liquid rocket engine system design and analysis, including performance predictions and packaging to meet requirements
• Clean sheet design and system integration of engine components
• Design modifications of existing components and prototypes to increase performance, improve manufacturability, or resolve limitations
• Mentor other engineers at Ursa Major on topics including design of components, system sizing, component testing, and system-level architecture and development for multiple engine programs
• Derive requirements from top level engine and test objectives
• Write, review, and update work instructions for the assembly of engine components as well as establish appropriate acceptance and qualification tests
• Assemble and test first article prototypes
• Work closely with interfacing teams to ensure successful integration of component designs into the engine system.  Support validation and recursive design during engine development.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering
• 5+ years of relevant mechanical design experience
• Liquid propellant rocket engine design, test, or analysis
• Demonstrated proficiency with computer aided design and drafting 
• Experience with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing per ASME Y14.5
• Working knowledge of and hands-on experience with fluid, mechanical, and electrical systems
• Strong understanding of aerospace and defense industry standards and requirements
• Desire to take ownership and help wherever needed on the team
• Able to delegate tasks and lead large project scope
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and stay flexible based on customer demands and company priorities along with daily firefighting

Desired Experience 

• Master's or PhD in mechanical or aerospace engineering
• Prior track record leading technical teams
• Demonstrated proficiency with basic principles of design for additive manufacturing
• Demonstrated proficiency with fundamental manual or CNC machining equipment and processes (milling, turning)
• Familiarity with closed cycle rocket engines
• Experience operating in ISO 9001 or AS9100 certified organizations
• Experience with SMC-S-016 Test Requirements
• Experience with structural, fluids, and thermal analysis using Ansys FEA software
• 5+ years of PTC Creo or Siemens NX CAD programs and Windchill PLM software
• Component testing and validation experience in both low and high energy states
• Direct experience with flight qualification and flight support

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $121,000 - $152,000, determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. What we can’t quantify for you are the exciting challenges, supportive team, and amazing culture we enjoy. 

Classification: Full-time Exempt